Exploring the Antidiabetic Potential of Achyranthes aspera: Bioactive Compound Extraction, In vitro Efficacy, and In...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus incidence is rising globally, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Medicinal herbs offer a rich source of compounds with potential antidiabetic activity.
• Achyranthes aspera has traditional uses for metabolic disorders, but its mechanisms are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antidiabetic efficacy of Achyranthes aspera using experimental and computational methods.
• To investigate its capacity to inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and enhance cellular glucose uptake.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its antidiabetic effects.

Main Methods:

• Aqueous leaf extract of A. aspera was analyzed for phytochemicals and antioxidant activity.
• In vitro assays assessed inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and Dipeptidase-4 (DPP-4), cytotoxicity, and glucose uptake in L6 myotubes.
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were employed.

Main Results:

• The extract showed significant phenolic and flavonoid content, correlating with antioxidant activity.
• Strong inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-4 was observed, with some samples outperforming reference drugs.
• The extract enhanced glucose uptake in L6 myotubes without cytotoxicity, supported by computational validation of binding interactions.

Conclusions:

• Achyranthes aspera exhibits multi-target antidiabetic activity via enzyme inhibition and enhanced glucose uptake.
• Its phenolic-rich composition and validated in silico binding interactions support its therapeutic potential.
• Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety for functional foods or adjunctive diabetic therapy.